Education, News

Tinubu-Ojo Launches Scholarship Scheme for 1,000 Students to Expand Access to Higher education

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 11th, 2026.

Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has unveiled a scholarship programme aimed at supporting more than 1,000 underprivileged students seeking university education in Nigeria.

The initiative was launched on Tuesday at Havilla University as part of activities marking her second anniversary as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council.

Addressing guests, students and members of the academic community at the event, Tinubu-Ojo emphasized the importance of education as a critical driver of national development, noting that young Nigerians must be given the opportunity to achieve their potential regardless of their economic background.

She explained that the scholarship scheme would provide tuition-free university education valued at approximately ₦400,000 per beneficiary, easing the financial burden on families and creating opportunities for students who might otherwise struggle to pursue higher education.

The programme is scheduled to begin with the 2025/2026 academic session, and will target students from low-income households across different parts of the country.

Tinubu-Ojo said the initiative reflects her commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development, stressing that education remains one of the most powerful tools for addressing inequality in society.

According to her, investing in the education of young people is essential for building a stronger and more prosperous nation.

She noted that the scholarship programme is designed not only to support academic achievement but also to inspire a new generation of leaders who will contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.

As part of the activities marking the anniversary celebration, Tinubu-Ojo also performed the foundation-laying ceremony for the Folasade Tinubu-Ojo Centre for Vocational Studies, a facility expected to strengthen skills-based learning and technical training within the university.

The proposed centre will focus on equipping students and young entrepreneurs with practical skills in areas such as technology, innovation and vocational trades, complementing traditional academic programmes offered by the institution.

Earlier in the day, she also commissioned the Folasade Tinubu-Ojo Complex, another infrastructure project within the university designed to enhance the institution’s learning environment and support its expansion plans.

The Chancellor of the university, Jones Tangban, commended Tinubu-Ojo for what he described as a significant investment in the future of Nigerian youths.

Tangban said the scholarship programme aligns with broader efforts to expand access to quality education and strengthen the country’s human capital base.

He noted that although the initiative supports the broader development vision associated with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the scholarship programme itself is personally funded by Tinubu-Ojo.

The university leadership encouraged prospective beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity and remain committed to academic excellence.

Observers say initiatives of this nature could play an important role in improving access to higher education for many young Nigerians, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who often struggle to finance university studies.